Burton C. Kerns, 87, of Yuma, Arizona, passed away of natural causes at his home on August 26, 2014.

Burton was born in Sheridan, Wyoming, Sept. 23, 1927, to John and Harriet Kerns of Parkman, Wyoming. Burton was the third of their four children.

His elder siblings, a sister Elizabeth Kerns Daly of Gillette, and his brother Herbert of Parkman, both preceded him in death.

His younger brother Kenneth of Parkman survives him.

Upon his return from military service Burton married Meredith Ann (Jimi) Wallace in 1954. They were the parents of two sons, David of Sheridan, Wyoming, who survives him and Herbert Kevin who preceded him death in 1993. Burton is survived by one grandson, Jake Burton of Gillette, five nephews and three nieces.

Burton's childhood was on the Pass Creek Double Rafter Ranch where he attended nearby Slack School for elementary education, and graduating from Sheridan High School in 1945. He received his Bachelors of Arts Degree from University of Wyoming, in 1949.

He served his country in the U.S. Army with the European Occupational Forces, in Germany.

Burton and Jimi raised two sons on their J K Quarter Circle Ranch on Stockade Creek, Parkman, Wyoming. He and his family enjoyed raising Angus cattle on their ranch along the foothills of Big Horn Mountains. Their ranch home was often the center of memorable family celebrations, neighborhood gatherings and Sunday "Go Broncos" televised football. In 1990 they sold their Stockade Creek Ranch, and moved to Yuma Arizona. Jimi preceded him in death in 2003.

Burton was very active in Sheridan County, politics, community affairs and local 4-H clubs. He was a member of the Kalif Shrine, the Wyoming Farm Bureau and the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. He served as a trustee for School District #24. And on the Whitney Benefits Board from 1968 to 1989, and was the Sheridan County Commissioner from 1981 to 1985. In 1960, he was selected as Outstanding Young Farm by the Sheridan County Junior Chamber of Commerce. Much to the enjoyment of the Sheridan community, he and his wife Jimi directed local cowboy and cowgirl talent of Parkman and Pass Creek, in the Downtown Sheridan presentation of the "Gay 90's Sarsaparilla Saloon".

Burton easily connected with those around him, developing a strong, long lasting generous and reciprocating friendship, be it on Stockade Creek, Sheridan, or Yuma, Arizona.

Interment and private family services will be at the Double Rafter Ranch Cemetery.

The Sheridan Press - September 5, 2014.